TRACK GP 1637538 - Caterpillar

Probable Causes
Diagnostic codes
ECM Flash file
Glow plugs
Ether injection
Coolant temperature
Cooling system
Fuel quality
Valve lash
Low compression (cylinder pressure)
Electronic unit injectors
Individual malfunctioning cylinderRecommended Actions
Table 1
Troubleshooting Test Steps Values Results
1. Diagnostic Codes
A. Establish communication between the electronic service tool and the Electronic Control Module (ECM) . Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools", if necessary.
B. Download the Warranty Report and the Product Status Report with Histograms before performing any troubleshooting or clearing any diagnostic codes.
Note: The downloaded information will be required by the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN) if troubleshooting assistance is needed.
C. Determine if a code is active or logged.
Diagnostic codes
Result: A code is active or logged.
Repair: Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing with this procedure.
Result: A code is not active or logged.
Proceed to Test Step 2.
2. ECM Flash File
A. Verify that the latest flash file is installed in the ECM.
Flash file
Result: The latest flash file is not installed.
Repair: Install the latest flash file. Refer to Troubleshooting, "ECM Software - Install" for the correct procedure. Verify that the repair eliminates the fault.
Result: The latest flash file is installed.
Proceed to Test Step 3.
3. Glow Plugs
Note: Faulty glow plugs will only affect the production of white smoke when the ambient temperature is between 5° C (41° F) and −25° C (−13° F).
A. Check operation of glow plugs. Verify that the glow plugs are operating correctly. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Glow Plug Starting Aid - Test".
B. Check the configuration screen on the electronic service tool in order to verify that ether injection is not enabled.
Glow plugs
Result: The glow plugs are not operating correctly.
Repair: Make the necessary repairs. Verify that the repair corrected the fault.
Result: The glow plugs are operating correctly.
Proceed to Test Step 4.
4. Ether Injection
Note: A faulty ether starting aid will only affect the production of white smoke when the ambient temperature is below −25° C (−13° F).
A. Use the electronic service tool to test the ether starting aid.
Glow plugs
Result: The ether starting aid is faulty.
Repair: Test the ether system. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Ether Starting Aid - Test".
Result: The ether starting aid is operating correctly.
Proceed to Test Step 5.
5. Coolant Temperature
A. Check that the water temperature regulator is operating correctly. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Water Temperature Regulator - Test".
Coolant temperature
Result: The water temperature regulator is not operating correctly.
Repair: Replace the water temperature regulator. Verify that the repair corrected the fault.
Result: The water temperature regulator is operating correctly.
Proceed to Test Step 6.
6. Cooling System
A. Check for an internal coolant leak into the cylinder and/or the exhaust. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System".
Internal coolant leak
Result: There is an internal coolant leak.
Repair: Make the necessary repairs. Verify that the repair eliminated the fault.
Result: There is not an internal coolant leak.
Proceed to Test Step 7.
7. Fuel Quality
A. Check the fuel quality. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Fuel Quality - Test".
B. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on the proper characteristics of the fuel for the engine.
Fuel
Result: The fuel quality is not OK.
Repair: Drain the fuel system and replace the fuel filters. Refer to